Things to Do

Trip Planning

Zion National Park Hiking Trails

Zion is big, beautiful, accessible and exciting.

Zion National Park offers a wide range of hiking opportunities, with something suitable for every age and experience level, during every month of the year. Get acquainted with a few of Zion’s four million annual visitors as you zoom from one trailhead and scenic overlook to the next aboard the Zion Canyon Shuttle, designed to keep the park pristine, tranquil and pollution-free. Hop off as often as you’d like to traverse a deep, narrow canyon or climb a majestic, multi-colored cliff; another eco-friendly bus will be by in six minutes.

Our favorite hikes in Zion National Park

Canyon Overlook

The Canyon Overlook has produced some of the most breathtaking shots of Zion Canyon ever photographed. It is a favorite among photographers and casual hikers...(more)

Emerald Pool-Lower

The Lower Pool is one of 3 pools in the Emerald Pools system and is popular among hikers for its beauty and accessibility. The trail is short and gently sloped - with only 70 feet of elevation gain...(more)

The Zion Narrows

This is the most popular hiking trail in Zion National Park, and one of the world's best canyon hikes. It is pure fun and can be tailored to any ability level...(more)

Travel Tips

Angels Landing

Angels landing is one of the most famous hikes in all of Zion National Park, this one is not for the squeamish or those easily affected by vertigo. But if you are up to...(more)

The Subway

The Subway is a classic semi-technical slot canyon hike in Zion National Park. To complete the hike you wade/swim/scramble/climb down the Left Fork of...(more)

Hiking Tips

Kolob Canyons

In the Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park, the trailhead for the 14-mile round-trip hike to enormous Kolob Arch is accessible off I-15, 18 miles south of Cedar City. Other trails are also available.

Hiking in Winter

Zion includes a large area of low-elevation desert where it is enjoyable to hike during winter. The Chinle Trail in the Coalpits and Huber Wash area offers outstanding hiking opportunities even during the coldest months of the year. Trails along the Virgin River and to locations in the bottom of Zion Canyon can also be hiked during winter. Trails that ascend the canyon rims and probe the high country will be hazardous during winter because of snow and ice.

Canyoneering

Zion is famous for its technical canyoneering opportunities. These treks are beyond the scope of this website. The Subway is perhaps the most popular backcountry slot canyon hike. It is semi-technical. Other canyons are more technical (you need special gear and skills). See our videos at the top of this page for a taste of canyoneering adventure.

General Tips

Always carry a topographical map on long or technical hikes.

Pets are NOT allowed along any trails.

Bring plenty of water. Drinking water is not available at most trailheads or along any trails.

Trail guides may be available. Check at the visitor centers.

Permits are required for back country or overnight hiking, as well as for the Narrows and its tributaries, the Left Fork of North Creek (the Subway) and Kolob Creek. (When picking up a permit, have your vehicle description and license plate number ready.)

Maximum group size is usually limited to 12, including all leaders.

Stay out of drainage areas during thunderstorms.

Fires are permitted in developed campgrounds, but not in the backcountry. Collecting wood is prohibited.